Planning for the first week of school?  Take a look at my list of back to school read alouds for the first weeks of school.  Read alouds are a great way to prompt classroom discussions, set expectations, introduce themes, and calm fears and anxieties. Your students are sure to love these diverse, touching, and fun stories.

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All Are Welcome
Author: Alexandra Penfold
Illustrator: Suzanne Kaufman

As the title states, this story lets your students know that no matter who they are, where they are from, what they look like, or who they worship, they are welcome in your class and school. 

Themes: Celebrity diversity, inclusion
Activity: Discuss how we can make others feel welcome. Display these posters.

First Day Jitters
Author: Julie Danneberg
Illustrator: Judy Love

This has been my first day read aloud for many years.  Only a few of my students seem to understand the twist that the person that is scared about their first day at a new school is actually the teacher!  I definitely will be very jittery on the first day and I’m sure my students will be, too. 

Themes: First day of school, confronting fears
Activity: Discuss our own first day jitters.  Take a look at this blog post with another activity.

David Goes to School
Author: David Shannon
Illustrator: David Shannon

Oh David!  The David series has always been a hit.  My students are flabbergasted by David's antics and find them hilarious.
 
Themes: School rules and responsibilities, self-regulation, character education. 
Activity: Have students brainstorm a rule and what it would look like if they did and did not follow it.  Try this sample activity from my Rules, Relationships, and Responsibilities resource in my TPT Store and BP Shop.  

Our Class is a Family
Author: Shannon Olsen
Illustrator: Sandie Sonke

I mean we take care of each other, eat together, play together, read to each other, celebrate our successes, encourage each other, go on trips together...we are a family!  Relationship building is key this year.

Themes: Family, community
Activity: Have students compare and contrast themselves with a partner.  You could also have students complete All About Me booklets and share with the class (TPT Store or BP Shop).

School’s First Day of School
Author: Adam Rex
Illustrator: Christian Robinson

A newly built school is the main character of this story.  He’s nervous about his first day of school because he doesn’t know what to expect.  He experiences a few highs and lows, but overall really enjoyed his first day and is eager to have everyone return.  

Themes: New experiences, anxiety
Activity: As a class, brainstorm a list of things that happened in the school day (e.g. centers, recess, PE class, lunch, national anthem, assembly, arrival, dismissal, etc.)  Have students choose one event, draw a picture of it, and write about the event from the point of view of your school. 

Sick Simon
Author: Dan Krall
Illustrator: Dan Krall

Sick Simon is a funny story that we know all too well.  Simon loves going to school so much that he will not miss a day even when he’s sick.  This year especially students will have a greater understanding of the importance of spreading germs and proper hygiene.  

Themes: Germs, hygiene
Activity: Check out this blog post with activities, tips, and a freebie.

The Day You Begin
Author: Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrator: Rafael López

This story is about being in a new place and feeling like you don’t belong.  Children are encouraged to appreciate who they are, find their voices, and share their stories. 

Themes: Similarities and differences, acceptance
Activity: I like playing getting to know you games like, “Find Someone Who…”  I created a slideshow version where my students mixed and mingled to find classmates who shared their interests.  This year I will try, “Stand if your fave season is summer/fall/winter/spring.”  Check out the fish tank themed and ice cream themed games in my TPT Store or BP Shop.

The Most Magnificent Thing
Author: Ashley Spires
Illustrator: Ashley Spires

In this story, the little girl has a great idea to make the most magnificent thing, but when it comes to making it, she is faced with challenges.  She quits, but then calms down and returns to her project with a renewed mindset and ultimately succeeds. 

Themes: Growth mindset, perseverance, creativity, it’s okay to make mistakes
Activity: Ashley Spires has written another book about resilience, The Thing Lou Couldn’t Do. My growth mindset resource was created to use with both of these stories. Get it in my TPT Store or BP Shop.

The Pigeon HAS to Go to School
Author: Mo Willems
Illustrator: Mo Willems

In my humble opinion, Mo Willems is a must in any primary class.  The Elephant and Piggie, Knuffle Bunny, and Pigeon series are the best.  Pigeon is anxious and has plenty of excuses for not going to school.  Who needs it?!

Theme: Anxiety
Activity: As a class, create a list of all of the things we love about school.

We Don’t Eat Our Classmates
Author: Ryan T. Higgins
Illustrator: Ryan T. Higgins

Penelope Rex has a hard time making friends at school.  Unfortunately it’s because Penelope is a dinosaur and her classmates are delicious humans!  Once the tables are turned, Penelope learns her lesson.

Themes: Making friends, golden rule
Activity: Discuss as a class how to be a good friend.

Your Name is a Song
Author: Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
Illustrator: Luisa Uribe

This beautiful picture book is perfect for the beginning of the school year.  The little girl doesn’t want to go to school because her teachers and classmates mispronounce her name. Her mother teaches her about the rhythm and musicality of names from different cultures. 

Themes: Identity, names, culture
Activity: Have students share their names as a song. Do word work activities using their names. Take a look at this book companion.

You’re Finally Here!
Author: Mélanie Watt
Illustrator: Mélanie Watt

This is another first day of school selection for me.  I read with tons of expression to let students know that bunny and I have been anxiously awaiting their arrival.  

Themes: Impatience, punctuality
Activity: Post this sign on chart paper and ask students a question like, “Where have you been?” or “What took you so long?”  I’ve asked students to respond on post-its, but lately I’ve been writing everyone’s responses on the chart paper.

Any must haves for my collection? I can’t say no to more books! Please share your faves with me in the comments below.